ELLEN ROSE MCLAWHON BENTON

TROY, Ill. -- Ellen Rose McLawhon Benton, 74, Troy, Ill., was born Oct. 8, 1936, in Goldsboro, N.C., and died Friday, March 11, 2011, at home with husband and children by her side.

Early years on her parents' dairy farm helped Ellen develop work ethics that followed her through life. Her attitude, behavior, understanding, compassion and empathy allowed her to interact and communicate with people at all levels.

She had worked at hospitals in North Carolina, Alabama and Illinois. She retired from Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Ill., after 20 years, and worked at Unity Hospice in Collinsville, Ill., for 15 years until retirement in October 2010 due to illness.

Ellen enjoyed sunrises and sunsets, especially when walking along the beach in North Carolina. The sounds and closeness of the ocean energized her, and she often dreamed of living near the coast and writing novels. She shared her love of travel with her children, and took each on individual trips to North Carolina.

She wanted everyone to succeed and be the best they could be.

A memorial to her is to give someone a flower, a hug, a pat on the back or encouraging words.

The family thanks Unity Hospice for all the love and kindness shown Ellen and the family, especially by Briana, her friend and final caregiver.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark H. and Augusta B. Dixon McLawhon; four brothers, Mark McLawhon, Charles McLawhon, Joseph McLawhon and Jimmy McLawhon; and two sisters, Betty Pennington and Jean Underwood.